💡 Résumé Rapide (Quick Summary)
My brutally honest review of the best Korean BBQ spots in Myeongdong and Hongdae, plus what to actually eat at Gwangjang Market.
I went to Seoul with one main goal: consume as much pork belly (samgyeopsal) and street food as humanly possible. I waded through the tourist traps, stood in absurdly long lines in freezing weather, and ate until I physically couldn’t move.
If you want to skip the overpriced garbage and eat where the meat is thick, the grill is hot, and the soju is cheap, here is my personal hit list for Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gwangjang Market.
The Korean BBQ Truth (Myeongdong vs. Hongdae)
Let me be blunt: Myeongdong is for shopping, not for authentic, cheap BBQ. The places in Myeongdong with huge English signs outside usually charge a 30% tourist tax, and the meat is painfully thin. If you have to eat BBQ in Myeongdong, look for places hidden in alleys where the menus are mostly in Korean.
Where you actually want to go is Hongdae. The university vibe means the food is cheaper, the portions are bigger, and the atmosphere is electric. I found a spot near Exit 8 (look for the places with giant exhaust pipes and plastic chairs) where a massive slab of thick-cut pork belly cost around 15,000 KRW ($11). Pro tip: Don’t touch the grill. The staff will usually come over and cut the meat for you with scissors. I tried to do it myself and an angry grandma slapped the tongs out of my hand. Let them handle it.
Surviving Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is intense. Netflix made it famous, which means it’s packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
What I loved:
- Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes): These things are deep-fried in absolute pools of oil and they are incredible. Crispy on the outside, soft inside. Grab one for 5,000 KRW and eat it standing up.
- Yukhoe (Beef Tartare): I was terrified to eat raw beef in a bustling market, but I did it anyway. It’s mixed with Asian pear and raw egg yolk. It was sweet, cold, and fresh. Totally worth the hype.
What I’d skip: Honestly, some of the generic tteokbokki stalls near the entrance are just okay. Save your stomach space for the specialty items deep inside the market.
One final piece of advice: Bring cash for the markets, and prepare to leave smelling entirely like roasted garlic and pork fat. It’s a badge of honor.
